England-Montenegro Preview: Key Clashes
Both sides come into this top of the table clash with 100 percent records in their respective Euro 2012 qualifying campaigns, and will be hoping to leave in the same fashion.
England have lost several players to injury, but have bought in good cover. Rio Ferdinand returns and regains the captaincy from Steven Gerrard, who has lead England since Ferdinand was ruled out of the World Cup finals.
With the competition still a year and a half away, England are far from sure of a spot in the tournament. However, if England can secure a win against Montenegro, they should have few problems making it to the finals. Montenegro weren't expected to be performing as well as they have been, picking up a huge win against Switzerland.
Even if they lose, Montenegro will still be in with a real chance of finishing second in the group. Considering they have only been competing in international football for three years, Montenegro have achieved a lot. But is a win against England one step too far?
Squads
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England
Ben Foster, Robert Green, Joe Hart, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, John Terry, Stephen Warnock, Gareth Barry, Joe Cole, Stewart Downing, Steven Gerrard, Tom Huddlestone, Adam Johnson, Jack Wilshere, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Young, Darren Bent, Peter Crouch, Kevin Davies, Wayne Rooney.
John Terry is out of the match after picking up an injury.
Kevin Davies is in the England squad for the first time, at the age of 33.
Jack Wilshere has been called up from the under-21 squad and will be hoping to make a mark.
Ashley Cole will become the most capped wing-back in England's history.
Montenegro
Radomir Đalović, Elsad Zverotić, Dejan Damjanović, Savo Pavićević, Andrija Delibasi, Miodrag Dzudovic, Milan Jovanović, Stefan Savic, Milan Jovanović, Marko Basa, Stevan Jovetic, Radoslav Batak, Mirko Vučinić, Striker Ivan Janjušević, Branko Bošković, Mladen Božović, Mitar Novaković, Srđan Blažić, Milorad Pekovic, Vladimir Božović, Mladen Kascelan, Simon Vukcevic, Zarko Tomasevic, Luka Pejović.
Stevan Jovetic is out until February with a knee injury.
Nikola Drincic is also out with a long-term injury.
Mirko Vucinic and Elsad Zverotic have been the scorers so far for Montenegro.
Montenegro are top of the table having won all three of their qualifiers 1-0.
Key Clash 1: Mirko Vucinic-Rio Ferndinand
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Roma striker and Montenegro captain, Mirko Vucinic is the star of table-topping Montenegro. He has scored the winners in two of his country's qualifiers so far this season.
With pace, control, and a good eye for goal, the 27-year-old would love to get on the score sheet against England.
He is undoubtedly Montenegro's main threat and the vastly experienced Rio Ferdinand will be in charge of stopping the prolific striker from taking Montenegro to a big win.
Rio Ferdinand is just back from an injury that ruled him out of the World Cup finals. He will be England captain, but even if he wasn't, he would still lead England's defence, a job that will be especially important given the absence of John Terry.
Key Clash 2: Marko Basa-Darren Bent
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Montenegro's centre-back could have his work cut out against England's strikers.
With Wayne Rooney out of sorts due to a recent injury and, more significantly, his personal problems being in the spotlight, Darren Bent could be vital to England's chances against probably their toughest opponents in the group.
Darren Bent scored an important goal against Switzerland and will be hoping to outdo Basa and help England to a win.
Basa, who plays for Locomotiv Moscow, isn't a speed machine and will have to out think Darren Bent if he is to stop the England striker from scoring.
A composed player, Basa will help build attacks, something Darren Bent can limit if he is a constant threat, keeping the centre-back busy.
Key Clash 3: Steven Gerrard-Simon Vukčević
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Montenegro's attacking midfielder Simon Vukčević will have a fight on his hands when he comes face to face with Steven Gerrard, one of the best midfielders in the world.
Vukčević is an attacking player, creative and potentially dangerous. Gerrard is slightly more defensive and will be looking to break up any potential attacks created by the likes of Vukčević.
Vukčević has been the subject of offers from both Bolton and Blackburn in the past, but has stayed at Sporting Lisbon where he has overcome personal problems with the manager and become an important player.
Vukčević will have to be at his best if he is to neutralise Gerrard, who is a real threat going forward, with a stinging long shot to boot.
Prediction
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England, who have got off to a flying start in qualifying, seem to have banished any memories of the disastrous World Cup and will be looking to pick up a win.
However, Montenegro shouldn't be underestimated. They have been impressive in their first three matches and an upset isn't out of the question. England are favourites, despite having a relatively weak squad and will go into their first ever match against Montenegro confident of maintaining their 100 percent record.
Given the home advantage and the difference in experience and quality, I'm going with a 2-0 win for England. Let me know what you think at the bottom.
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